Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-12-02
Flood and Remedy.

EDITOR HERALD-HaVlng lost about
$4,000 by the late flood of the Los An
geles river, l can truly sympathize
with the more unfortunate, who are
rendered entirely destitute by it. 1t
recalls very "strikingly" an article
over my signature published in a Los
Angeles paper of October IA, 1888,
under the head of "Public Enter.
p ise." To-wit:
while we should be we'll satisfied
with the wonderful growth OF our city
and country, yet, in this fast age OF
rapid transit. our ambition feasts on
future results, and to this end allow
me to call attention to an item of pub
lie benefit, a future ornamental and
profitable enterprise for our city,
wherein the passing of time adds
largely to the advantages named, and
with comparatively no expense. Let
the city make roadway 100
feet wide along the west side of
Los Angeles river, out of the 300
feet in width OF river bed claimed by
the city. say from East Los Angeles
bridge south to First street, or further,
build it sufficiently high to protect
property back Of it (as it is claimed
high water has damaged as far back
as Alameda street,. The willows now
standing in the way OF said drive
could be properly secured along the
outer edge OF the road as an orna-
mental hedge to protect the bank,
while double rows Of eucalyptus trees
planted on each side and center would
in short time make an ornamental
and profitable item to our city, particu-
l. ly for pleasure driving, 20 saw
nothing of the wood the trees would
make. Can you not stir Up ur Guy
authorities and the public generally
to immediate action in this matter,
for all such public improvements
beautify and make the city more at
tractive and healthful, and it is my
impression that interested parties
along the river will contribute largely
to this expense if the authorities go to
work in earnest and no delay. While
my individual interest in the mater
is CO nparatively nothing, will start
the list with a subscription OF $500
CASH"
| have had the honor of being the
Mayor of larger city than this, and
claim to know something about the
duties of city officials and the rights OF
her people. The difference perhaps
was that we believed in the old maxim
that the servant is worthy of his hire y
We were we'll paid and gave full value
in return. This city is no pauper, and
should not beg the services OF any man
without full compensation, SO that it
may not be again used as an excuse in
any dereliction of duty. One tenth OF
the loss occasioned by this foo pro-
perly expended would have remedied
the wrong, besides securing the city
against its recurring, but the end is
not yet, for had the water remained at
its highest stage two hours longer, or
again occur, then the channel it has
already started to cut below the rail-
road trestle work, at the abrupt bend
now in the river would force
its way across Macy street,
east OF the Sisters school,
making the main channel cross First
street at Alameda, thence southwest
by Washington Garden and race track.
Now, in conclusion. While l learn
that the council have appointed a
committee to devise some plan of ac-
ton, it is generally mild way OF
"tabling" public clamor, / would
therefore suggest that a citizens' meet
ing be held and the matter freely dis
cussed, to the end that the greatest
good may be attained for the greatest
number JOHN f. HUMPHREYS.
Mr.. Humphreys, whose name is ap-
pended to the above letter, has, at the
solicitation OF large number OF citi-
zens of the Third ward, consented to
be candidate for Councilman from
that ward. His interest in city affairs
dates from the time when he first be,
came a resident OF it. He has in all
cases been noted for great foresight
and wisdom in all his views. The
letter herewith published will prove
this. The communication is from oui
issue of February 21, 1884.